Fri., 10:47am: Warren patrolman's case turned over to prosecutor

March 7, 2014

WARREN -- The state investigation into whether a city police officer acted criminally has been handed over to the Trumbull County prosecutor's office.

A spokesman for the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the investigative arm of Ohio State Attorney Mike DeWine's Office, confirmed case files regarding the investigation of Patrolman Reuben Shaw were delivered Dennis Watkins' office this morning.

He said the case will remain open because it is possible further investigation could be needed.

Shaw has remained on paid leave since early July when claims surfaced that he may have had a vehicle illegally towed to property he owns,

Shaw was informed by letter in July that he was being put on paid leave pending ``any criminal and / or administrative investigations regarding the towing of a motor vehicle from private property.'' Police Chief Eric Merkel sought help from BCI, the attorney general's investigative arm, because he was concerned the incident was a ``potentially criminal matter.''

Warren has held off doing an internal investigation until BCI was finished, but could have proceeded independently.